4 Things WWE must do to ensure Sami Zayn’s reign as the Undisputed Champion is a success

After over a decade of performing at the highest level in WWE, Sami Zayn is finally a world champion. The Canadian star defeated Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a Triple Threat Match to win the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions.

After a back-and-forth bout, Zayn pinned Rhodes to win his maiden world title in the global juggernaut. The wrestling world has been celebrating Zayn’s major victory since Saturday. That said, while it was a heartwarming moment in Riyadh last weekend, the real work starts now.

Here are four things WWE must do to ensure Sami Zayn’s reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion is a success.

#4. Don’t rush Sami Zayn’s heel turn

Sami Zayn‘s title victory at Night of Champions was one of the biggest feel-good moments of the year. After spending more than a decade chasing a world championship, the Canadian star finally reached the top of the mountain. Fans have waited a long time to see this moment, and WWE should allow them to enjoy it.

That means avoiding a heel turn, at least for now. Zayn has shown signs of embracing a darker side in recent weeks, but immediately turning him heel would take away from his championship victory. Instead, WWE should present him as a babyface champion and let the audience celebrate his achievement.

There will always be time for a heel turn later. That doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a follow-up to his slow-building character change. However, for now, the company should capitalize on the goodwill Sami has built with the fans and allow his first world title reign to begin on a positive note.

#3. Clean title defenses

Winning the Undisputed WWE Championship was only the first step. Now, Sami Zayn has to prove that he belongs at the top. The best way to do that is with a few decisive title defenses.

The global juggernaut should let Zayn retain the championship clean against established stars. He has the momentum and fan support after winning the title, and the company should present him as a deserving champion instead of someone who got lucky.

Those victories would go a long way in establishing his credibility. By the time his first reign comes to an end, there should be no doubt that Sami earned his place as one of WWE‘s top stars.

#2. Don’t make him a transitional champion

Sami Zayn waited over a decade to become a world champion. That said, WWE now has to make sure his reign means something. The company made a bold decision by having Zayn pin Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, that decision will lose its impact if he drops the title after just a few weeks.

Instead, WWE should give him a decent reign. The Canadian star should head into SummerSlam as the champion and perhaps even leave the event with the title still around his waist. There is no reason to rush another title change.

More importantly, Zayn should not be treated as a placeholder champion. His victory at Night of Champions was one of the biggest moments of his career. WWE now needs to follow up on it properly and make sure his first world title reign is remembered for the right reasons.

#1. His title reign shouldn’t revolve around Cody Rhodes and Gunther

Sami Zayn won the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther. However, WWE should avoid keeping him in a rivalry with those two throughout his reign. The company made this mistake with Drew McIntyre‘s reign earlier this year by keeping him involved with Rhodes throughout his brief reign.

Instead, the company should give Sami fresh challengers. There are several stars who could step up and challenge Zayn for the title. New rivalries would help keep his reign interesting while giving other main event stars a chance to enter the championship picture.